NZXT Switchmix and Relay Ecosystem Review

Conclusion

It might seem like a simple problem to attempt to solve, but we think that the NZXT Switchmix is the perfect way to do it.

We very much fall into the category of people who spend almost as much time in their sound settings changing our output devices as we do actually playing. The downside to offices and VOIP. You want music to pass the time whilst testing, but people constantly ring up. Similarly in the evening the time we have to play with our friends, or just smite our enemies, is limited enough that we don’t want to waste a second of gaming time moving from speakers to headset, then adjusting the volume and all the minor things that can frustrate.

A headset stand is something we all need, if only to look after your purchase rather than have it strewn across the desk and being knocked onto the floor, and the quality of the Switchmix stand ticks that box. We’ve put some very hefty headsets on it as a test and it remained rock solid with all of them. Where it, and the Switchmix mixer, win the day is the speed that it moves from the speakers to the headset. You’d expect it would be a few seconds for the sensor to realise you’ve lifted/replaced the headset and get the software to change the output device, and indeed for Windows to recognise that swap. But no. It’s basically instantaneous. Certainly given that it takes a moment to move the Relay – or whichever you use – headset from your ears to the stand it’s seamless. The mixer box itself it definitely plastic, but feels durable and there isn’t much play or wobble to make those fine adjustments a pain. Of course we’d prefer a metal chassis and fader, but that would put the price into the stratosphere. Perhaps if this sells in sufficient numbers NZXT will think about a premium version.

The Relay headset is extremely light and comfortable. By using drivers which have a 20Hz – 40kHz frequency response instead of the more common 20-20 you get a more airy feel and those higher frequencies have room to breathe. It certainly is a step above the somewhat ‘tight’ sounds of lesser specifications where the compressed frequency response squishes the audio together. The microphone being removable is a nice touch too, letting you use the NZXT Capsule microphone if you wish, or any other at all. Special credit goes to them for having a headset where the cable is attached on the right instead of the left. Most of our systems – thanks to their case windows – sit on our right so not having the cable across our chest is a nice touch. 

The speakers, although not strictly part of this review, are also excellent. We’ve seen too many flimsy cabinets containing paltry speakers to count, so having a set which are rattle free and have a gorgeously balanced soundscape make them a joy to listen to. Plenty loud enough for being sat right in front of you, and like the headset the audio is spacious and fuzz free. Although we’ve also got the subwoofer Its not really worth mentioning as its underpowered. This does mean however it may be the perfect addition if you live in a busy household and it can be deemed as ‘fine’ when sitting in close proximity.

What really highlights this setup of the NZXT Switchmix and Relay audio is how flexible it is. By utilising 3.5mm jacks wherever possible you can use components you already own, but similarly by having everything controlled via the Switchmix means that the CAM software is a one stop shop to minimise the amount of faffing about you need to tailor things to your preference. It all has a high build quality and absolutely does what it promises and thus wins our OC3D Gamers Choice Award. The NZXT Switchmix is that rare product that you don’t think you need until you have it, then wonder how you ever lived without it.

NZXT Switchmix : £119.99
NZXT Relay Headset : £89.99
NZXT Relay Speakers : £229.99
NZXT Relay Subwoofer : £119.99

  

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